For decades, researchers have been working on different interventions to reduce suicide rates. It’s notoriously difficult, but a recent project revealed some encouraging insights into prevention strategies, finding that small joys may not be so small.
The project started with a Reddit post. University of Maryland Professor Philip Resnik found a thread in which a user asked formerly suicidal people to share what kept them alive and helped them through dark times. He and a team of collaborators then used computer analysis to parse four key themes from the 16,648 responses.
The first theme the team noted was concern for others, such as not wanting to hurt loved ones or leave pets behind. The second was appreciation for sensory pleasures and distractions, like TV shows, music, and food. A moving response cited in that category read, “Always one more … One more slice of pizza. One more gorgeous sunset. One more smell of the fall leaves. I had these bits of happiness in a sea of turmoil.”
The third theme was having “positive foresight.” This was defined as deriving meaning from inspiring writings or philosophies, holding onto hope that things could get better, or finding solace in religious or spiritual beliefs. The fourth theme involved negative emotions and motivations, including fear of being worse off following an attempt.
“I think one of the most interesting things that came out of this was small things can actually have a big effect,” Resnik told CBS News of the research, which was published in a paper titled “16,648 Reasons to Live Instead of Dying by Suicide” earlier this year.
His wife Rebecca Resnik, who is a psychologist and collaborator on the project, added that the findings may be useful in a clinical setting. “I now have a much better sense when I’m doing a risk analysis to pay very close attention to your relationship with your pet or the fact that you’re looking forward to going to prom,” she said.
In the spirit of cherishing small joys, here’s a list of 10 little things to look forward to.
1. Hearing your favorite song come on the radio or in a grocery store
2. Enjoying a fragrant cup of coffee or tea in the quiet early morning hours
3. Feeling the sun on your skin or the wind in your hair
4. Savoring the first bite of a delicious meal
5. Catching the newest episode of a series or cozying up with a comfort show
6. Enjoying your dog’s excitement while going for a walk or feeling the gentle rhythm of your cat purring on your lap
7. Beating the level you’ve been stuck on in a video game or filling out the last clue in a crossword puzzle
8. Dancing at home with the music turned up loud or swaying along to a classic as you cook
9. Sampling the new flavors at your local ice cream shop
10. Seeing the smile on a loved ones face or feeling the warm embrace of a dear friend
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.
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